MELISSA PARHANIEMI
Renton,WA
Summary
Results-driven Supply Chain Demand Planner with over 10 years of experience in operations, sourcing, manufacturing, order fulfillment, logistics, inventory management, and process improvement. Proven track record of optimizing transportation networks, reducing operational costs, and driving efficiency through data analysis and cross-functional collaboration. Skilled in forecasting, vendor relations, and implementing cost-saving initiatives that consistently improve performance metrics and customer satisfaction.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Supply Chain Logistics Manager
Darigold
Seattle, WA
05.2021 - 04.2025
- Delivered analytical support across six states, optimizing routing and reducing cost per unit delivered by 15%.
- Implemented a logistics tracking system that improved delivery accuracy by 18% and reduced delays by 22%.
- Identified bottlenecks in supply chain data, cutting lead times by 20% and boosting customer satisfaction scores by 12% while maintaining a fulfillment rate of 99.7%.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to reallocate resources, lowering operational costs by $750K annually.
- Maintained compliance by producing accurate transportation metrics and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
- Leverage Oracle ERP tools to streamline supply chain workflow, ensuring accurate inventory visibility and compliance across multi-state operations.
VMI Supply Planner, Walmart Partner
Darigold
Seattle, WA
01.2019 - 05.2021
- Transitioned Walmart's ordering from Vendor Managed Inventory to Global Replenishment System, reducing order errors by 30%.
- Partnered with fleet teams to consolidate truckloads, decreasing transportation costs by 12%.
- Partnered with manufacturing to ensure on-time order fulfillment.
- Optimized daily inventory and order fulfillment for 250+ Walmart stores, reducing stockouts by 25% and controlled costs.
- Built strong partnerships with Walmart leadership, aligning inventory strategies with corporate standards.
- Analyzed ordering trends to proactively adjust inventory, cutting waste by 18% and improving availability.
Focus Improvement Leader
Darigold
Renton, WA
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Applied DMAIC methodology to optimize workflows, increasing production efficiency by 14%.
- Directed 32 process improvement projects that generated $1M in annual savings.
- Led cross-departmental teams to standardize best practices, reducing project turnaround time by 20%.
- Built a continuous improvement framework that reduced waste by 10% year-over-year.
- Mentored junior staff, improving team problem-solving skills and engagement scores by 15%.
Supply Chain Demand Planner
Darigold
Renton, WA
12.2015 - 01.2019
- Managed production planning for 700K+ units daily across multiple product lines with 99.4% order fulfillment.
- Forecasted fluid operations of up to 250K gallons/day, ensuring accurate capacity planning.
- Reduced monthly inventory losses from $40K to $3.5K by implementing tighter reconciliation controls.
- Improved cross-departmental coordination, reducing miscommunications and delays by 17%.
- Enhanced accuracy of finished goods reporting, driving better decision-making in sourcing.
- Reviewed and validated Bill of Materials during production planning to ensure accurate resource allocation and compliance with manufacturing standards.
BOH Manager/Chef
Stone House Café and Bar
Seattle, WA
06.2015 - 11.2015
- Designed and implemented an Excel-based inventory system, improving accuracy by 25%.
- Cut food waste by 15% through menu optimization and staff training.
- Negotiated with suppliers to achieve a 10% reduction in food costs.
- Developed and trained a team of 20 staff, reducing turnover by 12%.
Inventory Control Specialist
HMS Host SeaTac Airport
Seattle, WA
08.2009 - 08.2015
- Oversaw $5.5M monthly sales, $600K inventory, and $1.5M receivables across 28 restaurant units.
- Improved inventory reconciliation accuracy by 30% through process redesign.
- Reduced cost discrepancies by 18% via improved vendor auditing and invoice tracking.
- Developed long-term inventory strategies, cutting carrying costs by $500K annually.
- Led vendor negotiations for 26 suppliers, strengthening supply chain reliability.
- Reviewed and validated bill of Materials during production planning to ensure accurate resource allocation and compliance with restaurant standards.
Sous Chef/Manager 2
HMS Host SeaTac Airport
Seattle, WA
06.2007 - 08.2009
- Reduced food costs from 32% to 26% over three years while maintaining quality standards.
- Managed 40 BOH staff, improving retention rates by 20% through training and mentorship.
- Conducted QA, HACCP, NSF, and OSHA audits with 100% compliance achieved.
- Supported multi-state branches, standardizing processes and reducing errors by 15%.
- Coordinated high-volume operations, maintaining accuracy during 600+ daily covers.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Management
University of Phoenix
Tempe, AZ01-2021
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
South Seattle Community College
Seattle, WA01-2003
Skills
- Leadership
- Collaboration
- Problem Solving
- Communication
- Adaptability
- Continuous Improvement
- Supply Chain Optimization & Organization
- Data Analysis (Excel, Oracle, OTM, Power BI Smartsheet)
- Supply Chain Demand Planning
- Inventory Management & Forecasting
- Process Improvement (Lean/Six Sigma)
- Cost Reduction Strategies
- PO Creations, Order Fulfillment
- Supply Chain Operations Analyst
- Transportation Planner
Timeline
Supply Chain Logistics Manager
Darigold
05.2021 - 04.2025
VMI Supply Planner, Walmart Partner
Darigold
01.2019 - 05.2021
Focus Improvement Leader
Darigold
01.2017 - 01.2019
Supply Chain Demand Planner
Darigold
12.2015 - 01.2019
BOH Manager/Chef
Stone House Café and Bar
06.2015 - 11.2015
Inventory Control Specialist
HMS Host SeaTac Airport
08.2009 - 08.2015
Sous Chef/Manager 2
HMS Host SeaTac Airport
06.2007 - 08.2009
Bachelor of Science - Management
University of Phoenix
Associate of Applied Science - Culinary Arts
South Seattle Community College